Patentable/Patents/US-11513598
US-11513598

Display-based switch assembly and methods of use

PublishedNovember 29, 2022
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Implementations include a display assembly for a switch assembly, comprising a display assembly touch overlay plate, wherein at least a portion of the display assembly touch overlay plate is comprised of a transparent or translucent material; a display, wherein the display is disposed underneath the display assembly touch overlay plate and wherein at least a portion of the display is visible through the portion of the display assembly touch overlay plate; a display assembly first housing and a display assembly second housing, wherein the display assembly touch overlay plate is in communication with the display assembly first housing, wherein a force applied to the display assembly touch overlay plate is at least partially transmitted from the display assembly touch overlay plate to the display assembly first housing to a switch assembly through a central portion of the display assembly first housing.

Patent Claims
16 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The display assembly of claim 1, further comprising a processor in communication with at least the display, wherein the processor controls the display.

Plain English Translation

A display assembly includes a display and a processor in communication with the display, where the processor controls the display. The assembly is designed for electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers, to enhance visual output and user interaction. The processor dynamically adjusts display settings, such as brightness, contrast, or color calibration, based on environmental conditions or user preferences. This ensures optimal viewing quality and reduces eye strain. The assembly may also integrate touch-sensitive or gesture-recognition features, allowing the processor to interpret user inputs and adjust the display accordingly. The processor can further manage power consumption by optimizing display performance based on battery levels or usage patterns. The assembly may include additional components like sensors (e.g., ambient light sensors) or communication modules to enhance functionality. The processor's control over the display ensures seamless integration with other device functions, improving overall user experience. The invention addresses the need for adaptive, efficient, and user-friendly display systems in modern electronic devices.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The display assembly of claim 2, wherein graphics displayed by the display can be configured by programming the processor.

Plain English Translation

A display assembly includes a display and a processor that controls the display. The processor is configured to receive input signals and generate output signals to drive the display. The assembly also includes a housing that supports the display and processor, with the housing having a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface includes an opening through which the display is visible, and the rear surface includes a mounting mechanism for attaching the assembly to a support structure. The display assembly is designed to be mounted in a vehicle, such as an aircraft, to provide visual information to users. The graphics displayed by the display can be customized by programming the processor, allowing for flexible configuration of the visual output based on specific requirements or user preferences. This programmability enables the display to adapt to different operational needs, such as adjusting the layout, content, or appearance of the displayed information. The assembly may also include additional components, such as input devices or communication interfaces, to enhance functionality and integration with other systems. The overall design ensures durability and reliability in demanding environments, such as those encountered in aviation.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The display assembly of claim 2, further comprising a light source, wherein the light source is used to illuminate the display.

Plain English Translation

A display assembly includes a flexible display panel and a support structure that provides mechanical support to the display panel. The support structure is configured to allow the display panel to bend or flex while maintaining structural integrity. The assembly may also include a light source, such as an LED or backlight module, positioned to illuminate the display panel from behind or along its edges. The light source ensures uniform brightness and visibility of the display content, even when the display is bent or flexed. The flexible display panel may be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) or another type of flexible display technology, allowing for curved or foldable applications. The support structure may be made of a rigid material with hinges or flexible joints to enable controlled bending. The assembly is designed for use in devices requiring flexible or conformable displays, such as wearable electronics, foldable smartphones, or curved display screens. The light source integration ensures consistent illumination across the display surface, enhancing readability and visual performance in various bending states.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The display assembly of claim 4, further comprising a display assembly printed circuit board housed within the display assembly first housing, wherein the display assembly printed circuit board comprises at least one or more drivers for the light source.

Plain English Translation

A display assembly for electronic devices includes a first housing containing a light source and a display panel. The light source illuminates the display panel, which is positioned adjacent to the light source. The assembly also includes a second housing that attaches to the first housing and contains a printed circuit board (PCB) with electronic components for controlling the display panel. The second housing is configured to be mounted to a device housing, such as a smartphone or tablet, and may include a flexible connector for electrical communication with the device. The display assembly further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) within the first housing that contains one or more drivers for the light source, ensuring proper illumination control. The assembly is designed to be compact, modular, and easily integrated into electronic devices, improving display performance and manufacturing efficiency. The PCB within the first housing ensures that the light source drivers are housed close to the light source, reducing signal interference and improving power efficiency. This design allows for better thermal management and reliability in electronic devices.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The display assembly of claim 5, wherein the display and the display assembly printed circuit board are isolated from any of the force applied to the display assembly touch overlay plate.

Plain English Translation

A display assembly for electronic devices includes a display, a printed circuit board (PCB) connected to the display, and a touch overlay plate positioned over the display. The touch overlay plate is designed to detect user input, such as touch or force, while protecting the underlying display and PCB. The assembly is structured to isolate the display and PCB from any force applied to the touch overlay plate, preventing damage to the sensitive components. This isolation is achieved through mechanical decoupling mechanisms, such as flexible connectors or shock-absorbing materials, which allow the touch overlay plate to move independently of the display and PCB. The design ensures that external forces, such as impacts or pressure, are absorbed by the touch overlay plate without transferring stress to the display or PCB, maintaining the integrity and functionality of the electronic device. This solution addresses the problem of fragile displays and PCBs being damaged by external forces, particularly in portable or handheld devices where accidental impacts are common. The assembly may also include additional features, such as a frame or housing, to further enhance structural support and force isolation.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The display assembly of claim 6, further comprising a data/electrical connector in electrical communication with the display assembly printed circuit board.

Plain English translation pending...
Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The data assembly of claim 5, wherein the one or more drivers for the light source are controlled by the processor.

Plain English translation pending...
Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The display assembly of claim 5, wherein the data/electrical connector is in further electrical communication with the display.

Plain English Translation

A display assembly for electronic devices includes a housing with a display and a data/electrical connector. The connector is electrically connected to the display, allowing data and power transmission between the display and external devices. The assembly may also include a flexible circuit board that interfaces with the display and the connector, facilitating signal routing and structural support. The connector is designed to interface with external systems, enabling the display to receive power, control signals, or data inputs. The flexible circuit board may be attached to the display using adhesive or mechanical fasteners, ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical connections. The assembly is particularly useful in portable or modular electronic devices where compact, efficient electrical connections are required. The design ensures durability and minimizes signal loss during data transmission.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The display assembly of claim 2, wherein the processor is external to the display assembly.

Plain English Translation

A display assembly includes a display panel and a processor that controls the display panel. The processor is external to the display assembly, meaning it is not integrated within the same housing or unit as the display panel. This configuration allows the processor to be located remotely, such as in a separate computing device or control unit, while still driving the display panel. The display assembly may include additional components, such as a display driver, to interface with the external processor and manage the display panel's operation. This setup can improve flexibility in system design, reduce heat generation near the display, or enable modular configurations where the processor and display are physically separated. The external processor may handle tasks such as image processing, signal decoding, or user input management, while the display assembly focuses on rendering visual output. This arrangement is useful in applications where space constraints, thermal management, or modularity are important, such as in large-format displays, digital signage, or industrial control systems.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The display assembly of claim 2, wherein the processor is internal to the display assembly.

Plain English Translation

A display assembly includes a processor that is integrated within the display assembly itself, rather than being part of an external device. The display assembly is designed for use in electronic devices, particularly those requiring compact or modular designs, such as tablets, smartphones, or wearable devices. The internal processor handles display-related functions, including image processing, touch input detection, and communication with other components. By integrating the processor within the display assembly, the overall device design can be more streamlined, reducing the need for separate processing units and improving space efficiency. This configuration also allows for faster data transfer between the display and processor, enhancing performance and reducing latency. The display assembly may further include a touch-sensitive layer for detecting user input, a backlight for illumination, and a flexible or rigid substrate for structural support. The internal processor can be a dedicated display controller or a general-purpose processor, depending on the application. This design is particularly useful in devices where minimizing size and weight is critical, such as in portable electronics or foldable displays. The integration of the processor within the display assembly simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes while improving overall device functionality.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The display assembly of claim 11, wherein the processor is located on the display assembly printed circuit board.

Plain English Translation

A display assembly for electronic devices includes a display panel, a printed circuit board (PCB), and a processor. The display panel is configured to render visual content, while the PCB provides electrical connections and supports various components. The processor, which may be a graphics processing unit (GPU) or a central processing unit (CPU), is integrated into the PCB of the display assembly. This integration allows for efficient data processing and rendering of visual content directly on the display panel, reducing latency and improving performance. The processor may also handle tasks such as image scaling, color correction, and touch input processing if the display is touch-sensitive. By locating the processor on the display assembly PCB, the system reduces the need for external processing, streamlining the device's architecture and enhancing overall efficiency. This design is particularly useful in devices where display performance and responsiveness are critical, such as smartphones, tablets, and high-end monitors. The assembly may also include additional components like memory modules, power management circuits, and input/output interfaces to support the processor's functions. The integration of the processor into the display assembly PCB optimizes space utilization and thermal management, ensuring reliable operation under various usage conditions.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The display assembly of claim 1, wherein the flexible membrane seals the switch assembly from dirt and moisture.

Plain English translation pending...
Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The display assembly of claim 1, wherein the switch assembly further comprises a haptic exciter.

Plain English Translation

A display assembly includes a switch assembly integrated with a haptic exciter to provide tactile feedback. The assembly is designed for electronic devices, such as touchscreens or interactive displays, where traditional mechanical switches are impractical or undesirable. The haptic exciter generates vibrations or force feedback in response to user interactions, enhancing the user experience by simulating physical button presses or confirming touch inputs. The switch assembly may include a flexible or deformable surface that deflects under pressure, triggering the haptic exciter to produce feedback. This design eliminates the need for bulky mechanical components while maintaining responsiveness and durability. The haptic exciter can be controlled by a processor to adjust feedback intensity, frequency, or timing based on application requirements. The assembly may also include sensors to detect touch or pressure, ensuring precise activation of the haptic feedback. This innovation improves user interaction in devices where space constraints or design aesthetics limit the use of traditional switches.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The display assembly of 14, wherein vibrational forces from the haptic exciter are transmitted to the display assembly touch overlay plate through the light guide, the flexible membrane, and the central portion of the display assembly first housing.

Plain English Translation

A display assembly for electronic devices incorporates a haptic feedback system to enhance user interaction. The assembly includes a touch overlay plate, a light guide, a flexible membrane, and a first housing with a central portion. A haptic exciter generates vibrational forces that are transmitted through the light guide, the flexible membrane, and the central portion of the first housing to the touch overlay plate. This design ensures efficient haptic feedback by leveraging the structural components of the display assembly to propagate vibrations to the touch surface. The light guide, typically used for backlighting, also serves as a conduit for haptic vibrations, reducing the need for additional mechanical components. The flexible membrane allows for controlled transmission of vibrations while maintaining structural integrity. The central portion of the first housing further facilitates vibration propagation to the touch overlay plate, ensuring a responsive and tactile user experience. This integrated approach optimizes space and performance in electronic devices requiring haptic feedback.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The display assembly of claim 15, wherein the display is isolated from the vibrational forces from the haptic exciter.

Plain English Translation

A display assembly is designed to reduce or eliminate the transmission of vibrational forces from a haptic exciter to a display screen. The assembly includes a display, a haptic exciter, and a mounting structure that mechanically decouples the display from the exciter. The haptic exciter generates tactile feedback by producing vibrations, which are typically used in touch-sensitive devices to enhance user interaction. However, these vibrations can cause unwanted motion or distortion in the display, degrading visual quality and user experience. The mounting structure isolates the display from the exciter's vibrations, ensuring that the display remains stable while still allowing the exciter to provide haptic feedback to the user. The isolation may be achieved through flexible or damping materials, mechanical decoupling mechanisms, or other means that prevent vibrational energy from transferring between the exciter and the display. This design improves display clarity and responsiveness in devices where haptic feedback is used, such as smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The display assembly of claim 1, wherein the display assembly touch overlay plate is comprised of one or more contoured sections such that a user can feel for a correct location to actuate the switch assembly without having to look at the switch assembly.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a display assembly with a touch overlay plate designed for tactile feedback, particularly in environments where visual confirmation is difficult or impossible. The assembly includes a switch assembly and a touch overlay plate positioned over a display. The touch overlay plate is contoured with one or more raised or recessed sections that allow a user to locate and actuate the switch assembly by touch alone, without needing to see the assembly. This tactile guidance is useful in low-light conditions, for users with visual impairments, or in situations where the user's attention is focused elsewhere. The contoured sections provide distinct physical cues, such as ridges, bumps, or grooves, that correspond to specific switch locations, ensuring accurate actuation. The design may also include additional features like textured surfaces or varying depths to further enhance tactile feedback. The assembly is particularly beneficial in applications where quick, reliable input is required without visual reliance, such as in automotive controls, medical devices, or industrial interfaces. The touch overlay plate can be made from durable materials like plastic or metal, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear. The overall system integrates seamlessly with the display, maintaining a sleek and functional interface while prioritizing accessibility and usability.

Classification Codes (CPC)

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

March 15, 2021

Publication Date

November 29, 2022

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